What is Matched Betting?

If you’re a sports betting fan, have you ever wondered ‘what is matched betting?’ Well, matched betting is a popular and effective way to make guaranteed profits by using differences in sportsbook odds and taking advantage of bonuses. Want to learn more? Let’s explore how it works and how you can get started.

Matched Betting for Profit

Matched betting involves placing bets on opposing outcomes of the same event across different sportsbooks or bookmakers. By carefully calculating stakes and odds, you can ensure a profit regardless of the event’s result. This strategy often relies on finding discrepancies in odds or using bonuses offered by sportsbooks.

Matched bettors tend to use their local currencies when locking up profits. However, the emergence of betting with crypto has seen a shift in how bettors play.

For example, you might bet on Team A to win at one bookmaker and bet on Team A to lose (or a draw) at another. By exploiting the difference in odds, your total payouts will always exceed your total bets, guaranteeing profit.

How to Calculate Matched Betting Profits

Firstly, be sure that you understand betting odds. Odds can be displayed in different formats, but in our guide we’ll use decimal odds. Matched betting with sportsbooks involves using free bets, bonuses, or offers from different bookmakers to make risk-free or low-risk profits. You bet on all possible outcomes of an event using different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit regardless of the result.

Key Steps in Matched Betting

1. Find an Offer: Bookmaker A offers a free bet or bonus, often requiring a qualifying bet.
2. Place a Qualifying Bet: Bet on one outcome with Bookmaker A and the opposite outcome with Bookmaker B to minimize loss.
3. Use the Free Bet: After the qualifying bet, use the free bet to lock in a profit.

Example 1: Qualifying Bet (Minimizing Loss)

Scenario:

• Bookmaker A requires a $10 qualifying bet to unlock a $10 free bet.
• You bet on a football match: Team A to win at odds of 2.0 with Bookmaker A and Team A not to win at odds of 2.0 with Bookmaker B.

Steps:

1. Place the Bets:
   • Bet $10 on Team A to win with Bookmaker A.
   • Bet $10 on Team A not to win (draw or lose) with Bookmaker B.
2. Outcome Analysis:
   • If Team A wins:
     • Winnings from Bookmaker A: $10 × (2.0 – 1) = $10.
     • Loss at Bookmaker B: $10.
     • Net: $10 – $10 = $0.
   • If Team A does not win:
     • Winnings from Bookmaker B: $10 × (2.0 – 1) = $10.
     • Loss at Bookmaker A: $10.
     • Net: $10 – $10 =$0.

Profit/Loss: $0. The qualifying bet has no profit, but you now unlock the free bet.

Example 2: Using the Free Bet (Guaranteed Profit)

Scenario:

• You received a $10 free bet from Bookmaker A.
• Bookmaker A offers odds of 3.0 on Team B to win.
• Bookmaker B offers odds of 3.2 on Team B not to win.

Steps:

1. Place the Bets:
   • Use the $10 free bet on Team B to win at odds of 3.0 with Bookmaker A.
   • Bet $10 on Team B not to win at odds of 3.2 with Bookmaker B.
2. Outcome Analysis:
   • If Team B wins:
     • Winnings from Bookmaker A: $10 × (3.0 – 1) = $20 (free bet stake not included).
     • Loss at Bookmaker B: $10.
     • Net Profit: $20 – $10 = $10.
   • If Team B does not win:
     • Winnings from Bookmaker B: $10 × (3.2 – 1) = $12.
     • No winnings from Bookmaker A (free bet lost).
     • Net Profit: $12 – $10 = $2.

Profit: You profit $10 or $2, depending on the outcome.

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Example 3: A Losing Bet (Avoid If Possible)

Scenario:

• Bookmaker A offers a $10 free bet, but the odds differ significantly:
  • Team C to win: 5.0 at Bookmaker A.
  • Team C not to win: 6.0 at Bookmaker B.

Steps:

1. Place the Bets:
   • Use the $10 free bet on Team C to win at odds of 5.0.
   • Bet £10 on Team C not to win at odds of 6.0.
2. Outcome Analysis:
   • If Team C wins:
     • Winnings from Bookmaker A: $10 × (5.0 – 1) = $40.
     • Loss at Bookmaker B: $10 × (6.0 – 1) = $50.
     • Net Loss: $40 – $50 = -$10.
   • If Team C does not win:
     • Winnings from Bookmaker B: $10 × (6.0 – 1) = $50.
     • No winnings from Bookmaker A.
     • Net Profit: $50 – $10 = $40.

In this case, the wide odds gap creates unpredictable results and high potential losses. Avoid these bets unless absolutely necessary (e.g., clearing a bonus).

Sometimes, matched betting can be confusing. We recommend that you use a matched betting calculator to double check your calculations.

Betting Exchanges for Matched Betting

Regular matched bettors will often use betting exchanges to lock in profits, and to quickly find an alternative part of their matched bet. Exchanges will usually charge a commission for making a back bet or a lay bet. Always check commission charges and factor those in to your calculations. Again, matched betting calculators are very useful here.

Betting exchanges do not use crypto as a currency. So, if you’re betting with Bitcoin for example, you’ll need to stick to matched betting with sportsbooks only.

Best Sports for Matched Betting

Certain sports are particularly suited for matched betting due to their extensive market coverage and popularity among bookmakers. Football (soccer), basketball, tennis, and horse racing are among the best sports for matched betting. These sports often feature a wide range of odds and promotional offers, giving bettors ample opportunities to profit.

Examples of Matched Betting

Here are some practical examples of matched betting:

1. Football Match: Bet $50 on Team A to win at Bookmaker 1 at odds of 2.0. Bet $50 on Team A not to win at Bookmaker 2 at odds of 2.0. Profit regardless of the outcome.
2. Tennis Match: Wager $100 on Player 1 at Bookmaker 1 and $100 on Player 2 at Bookmaker 2 when odds discrepancies exist.
3. Basketball Game: Place a $200 bet on Team X at one sportsbook and hedge with a bet against Team X at another sportsbook to lock in profits. Basketball betting with crypto has become increasingly popular in recent years.
4. Horse Racing: Bet on a horse to win with one bookmaker and against it using a betting exchange.

Dangers of Matched Betting

While matched betting offers guaranteed profits, there are risks to consider. Using cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals can expose you to losses due to price volatility. For instance, if Bitcoin drops in value between your deposit and withdrawal, it could erode your profits.

To mitigate this risk, use stablecoins like USDT or fiat payment methods such as Visa or bank transfers in your local currency. These options help ensure your funds retain their value throughout the betting process.

Is Matched Betting Worth It?

Yes, match betting is worth it! While it won’t make you a millionaire, it guarantees consistent profits. With thousands of sportsbooks and bookmakers offering opportunities, there are endless ways to benefit from this strategy. It’s an excellent option for those looking to generate risk-free income.

Using Bonuses to Match Bet

One of the most lucrative aspects of matched betting is using deposit and reload bonuses offered by sportsbooks.

For example, a $1,000 deposit bonus can be used to make significant profits. By using matched betting on a basketball game showing a guaranteed 5% profit, you could earn $50 from the bonus alone while clearing wagering requirements.

Get Started

Ready to start matched betting? Join Bets.io today! Use crypto or traditional banking methods to fund your account. Take advantage of USDT bonuses, or deposit in Bitcoin to earn up to 1 BTC in bonuses.

FAQ on Matched Betting